Disruptions to the bus service were averted yesterday after emergency talks between worker representatives and the service provider led to agreement over union recognition.

Malta Public Transport and the UĦM Voice of the Workers (Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin) said they agreed to drop court action and withdraw directives respectively.

A joint statement said the company agreed to officially recognise the union as the sole interlocutor for collective bargaining purposes. The formality is expected to be finalised on Wednesday and the two sides would start negotiations on a new collective agreement for public transport employees.

The statement said the company was finalising the verification process so the end result would ensure stability for all sides.

Worker representation at Malta Public Transport has been a contentious issue between the two major unions. A recent vote among company employees saw the UĦM win a 56 per cent majority and the General Workers’ Union concede defeat.

The company, however, did not conclude the necessary formalities, which prevented the UĦM from starting negotiations on the collective agreement.

On Saturday, the UĦM directed members not to drive 12-metre-long buses or wear their uniforms as it stepped up industrial action against the Spanish operator. A directive issued on Friday instructing drivers not to accept any money from commuters was withdrawn after a court ruled it illegal.